Schools see an increase in number of students who are students seeking an MPA degree

April 1, 2011

Many institutions have seen an increase in the number of applicants to their MPA programs.

Within the past few years, many institutions, such as Harvard University, have seen increases in the number of students who have applied to master's of public administration (MPA) degree programs.

Robin Engel, director of MPA programs at Harvard's Kennedy School, told GovPro that the troubled economy as well as other problems that have recently plagued the country have helped add to an increased desire to earn this degree.

"We sense that they are responding to the inspiring call to public service at a time when the world is facing such intense challenges," he said.

More recently, the University of Washington said it enrolled the most students it ever has in its MPA program during the 2011 to 2012 semester, the Daily UW reports. This increase in participation includes a 78 percent rise in applications from international students.

As more individuals seek an MPA degree, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that many careers in this industry will see increases in employment. For example, the job market for state and local government is expected to be favorable overall through 2018. Similarly, careers as human resources managers as well as medical and health service managers are expected to rise.